The Outer Banks is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, there’s no doubt about it (but we can’t help to be biased here). While the beach is one of the best Instagram posts you can have, there are a few more spots that’ll definitely improve your feed on your next Outer Banks vacation. We’ve updated our blog from March 2017 with some of the best spots of 2020! Once you visit the below spots, be sure to tag us on instagram at @resortrealtyobx and use the hashtag #ResortOBX to be featured on our page and in our brochure! Check out our top 10 Insta-Worthy Outer Banks spots and get ready for the likes to pour in.
The Kitty Hawk Pier has a rich, Outer Banks history. Originally constructed in 1953, the pier was ruined by Hurricane Isabel in 2003; just after undergoing about $300,000 worth of renovations. In 2006, the Hilton Garden Inn purchased the pier and is now popularly used for weddings and events. The pier is still open to the public with purchase of a pier pass; making it a great place for some great insta pics or just taking in the view of the beaches!
Trust us; go for the coffee and fresh baked treats and stay for the great photo spots! Ashley’s Espresso Parlour has been open on the OBX for just over a year now. Their menu consists of a multitude of coffee drinks, local beers, baked goods and more! Our personal suggestion? Any of the amazing cold brew milkshakes. A sweet treat that’ll definitely have you bright eyed for your Outer Banks instagram pics.
Oh, the Wright Brothers. Quite possibly the biggest contributors to modern day flight. The first manned flight took place in Kitty Hawk on December 17th, 1903. The Wright Brothers National Memorial is located in Kill Devil Hills and not only is it educational, but it provides some of the best spots to take photos and have a piece of history to hold on to long after vacation is over.
Seagreen Gallery is an Outer Banks hidden gem. Located on the beach road in Nags Head, Seagreen Gallery is home to art made from recycled and repurposed items. Everything from the giant wave made from license plates and candles made from Coca-Cola bottles, Seagreen Gallery has given new life to items that most people overlook. Plus, the back garden is full of life, spanning from tropical plants, driftwood waves, and the cutest little bunnies you’ve ever seen. You’ll leave Seagreen Gallery with a new piece of unique art for sale along with some great Outer Banks Instagram content for your feed.
Bodie Island Lighthouse was commissioned in 1837 by the US government. The 156 foot tall lighthouse helped guide boats safely to shore. The Bodie Island Lighthouse (actually pronounced as “body”) is full of Outer Banks history…and a great photo op. There’s a huge lawn that’s perfect for posing right in-front of the lighthouse, a docked path that leads to an overlook of the marsh, and a covered porch; all perfect places for Outer Banks Instagram content!
Roanoke Island Festival Park is home to historical representations of what life was like in 1585. Strictly a military settlement, the colony of 1585 is known as the colony before the Lost Colony. On site at Festival Park, there is a working blacksmith, representational ship named the Queen Elizabeth II, and history museum! In addition, the grounds surrounding the park features a soundfront dock that gives you stunning views of downtown Manteo; perfect for Instagram pics.
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is actually a replica lighthouse of the original that was built in 1877. The lighthouse was originally located in Wanchese in order to help sailors and fishermen find their way to dock. Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is a great spot for photos since it provides super cool views of the Nags Head bridge, the Elizabeth II, and the back side of Pirate’s Cove!
Corolla
Seeing the wild horses in Corolla is a must! It’s so cool to see them roaming around free and swimming in the ocean. Just make sure when you do take photos, you zoom in. You have to stay at least 50 feet away from the wild horses. It’s illegal and dangerous to get any closer than that.
Kill Devil Hills
If you’re more adventurous and are familiar with free diving or snorkeling, grab your GoPro and check out the Triangle Wrecks in Kill Devil Hills! These wrecks met their fates back in the 20s on the Outer Banks. One ship, the Kyzickes, wreck in December 1927 and the second ship, the Carl Gerhard, wrecked in 1929 and cut the Kyzickes in half. Exploring the shipwreck is fun but best done when the water is clear and especially best done with a dive buddy so you’ll be safe and so they can get some rad pictures and video of your adventure.
Duck
The Waterfront Shops in Duck are home to all of your shopping and ice cream needs. With little ice cream stores and shops like Life’s a Beach (an official Lilly Pulitzer retailer) and Islands by Amity, you’ll have the perfect wardrobe and the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post!
Corolla
The Beer Garden has over 60 different craft beers and wine for you to try! Located in Corolla just off of Highway 12, The Beer Garden welcomes everyone, including your four-legged friend! With a quirky and chill island vibe, The Beer Garden is the perfect place to unwind after a long beach day with the perfect backdrop for tons of pictures!
Nags Head
Ben Franklin is an OBX staple that happens to have some pretty awesome artwork painted on their building! The entire outside of the store has a seascape painted that’s perfect for taking instagram photos. You can even get yourself a souvenir inside!
Nags Head
The Spot will soon be your new favorite place to cool off when you come to the Outer Banks. Serving up smoothies, ice cream, and their specialty acai bowls, The Spot in Nags Head is perfect for a sweet treat in between beach sessions. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone or a for a healthier treat grab a Loggerhead Bowl (pictured above). Not only are acai bowls super good for you, they photograph well too!
Manteo
Make sure you have enough storage on your phone because you’ll want to take pictures of everything at The Elizabethan Gardens. There’s so many different plants and flowers, you won’t see anything you don’t like. Located at the North-end of Manteo, The Elizabethan Gardens will transport you to a garden fit for Queen Elizabeth herself. You’ll be a hit on Instagram with your pictures because honestly, who doesn’t love flowers?!
Nags Head
Take a hike through Nags Head woods! With over 5 miles of trails, you’ll see wooded dunes, ponds, marsh and more! 7 different trails are available to explore, even a trail for those who have disabilities to get out and experience the beauty of Nags Head woods! Any trail you pick will sure to be picture perfect!
Hatteras Island
Pea Island is about 13 miles of land with no hotels, business, or houses in sight. This land is completely undeveloped and home to about 400 species of migrating birds and other wildlife. You’ll definitely see some awesome bird sightings and stretches of beach without any building in sight; giving the perfect setup for the best Outer Banks instagram photos!
So, you’re going on vacation and you couldn’t be more excited about it! You’ve gotten to your beach house, you’re unpacking your bags, and you realize you forgot some of the most important items. Now you have to go to the local store and spend a fortune on the things you’ve forgotten. We’ve come up with some of the most forgotten items (and tasks) that travelers often overlook.
When you visit the Outer Banks, you never know when it’s going to rain! Packing an umbrella and raincoat ensures you’re prepared.
Most vacation rental homes are equipped with hairdryers, but just in case, it’s always a good idea to bring your own.
No one wants to go to the beach without sunscreen, you can always buy some when you arrive to the Outer Banks, but you’ll save money buying it at home!
You never know when you’ll need cash at a restaurant or while out and about on the OBX. By bringing cash with you from home, you can avoid annoying ATM and bank fees.
Okay so you technically don’t “pack this” BUT, you should make sure you call your bank and let them know you’re going on vacation. More often than not, when your bank sees a strange transaction, they’ll shut your card down which is sure to put a damper on your vacation.
For those of us that can’t see without corrective lenses, make SURE you pack your glasses and/or contacts and solution if needed!
When you come to the beach, you don’t really think about bringing athletic clothing. If you plan on exploring some of the amazing parks and museums we have here on the OBX, you should have a pair of socks and sneakers handy!
Nothing is worse than going on vacation without your phone, tablet, or camera charger! Make sure they make it into your suitcase!
Having band-aids, Tylenol, bug spray, and allergy medicine handy can be really important on vacation.
If you’re vacationing during times where a virus is at hand, don’t be scared! Just be safe! Most places of business on the OBX are requiring face coverings of some sort to enter so make sure you have a cloth facemask packed and ready to go. Don’t forget hand sanitizer to keep you and your family germ free!
If you’re bringing your four legged friend along on vacation, make sure they have everything they need to make them happy! Water and food bowls, their favorite toys, and a doggie bed will ensure Fido has a great vacation too!
If you’ve rented a vacation home that has a pool, don’t forget to bring along the pool toys for the kids! Pack the floats while they’re deflated to save space in the car.
If you’ve got a master griller in your crew, make sure they bring their best grilling gear. Most homes that feature grills do feature grilling tools, but there’s nothing like having your own! If you’re planning on having a family seafood boil, make sure you have tools like Oyster shuckers, mallets, and crab crackers!
If you’re not renting a home that provides linens and towels, be sure to pack your own!
Coming to the Outer Banks for a holiday or a special occasion can be super fun! Don’t forget to bring decorations and props if you’re celebrating something special!
Vacation is supposed to be your time to get away, relax, and enjoy time with family and friends! In the midst of planning, traveling, and getting everything organized before and during your trip can make your head spin. Don’t worry and don’t get stressed, we’ve got the perfect guide to help you have a stress free Outer Banks vacation!
When planning your vacation to the Outer Banks, make sure you book your vacation rental home ahead of time. As the busy season approaches, many homes that might fit your size needs, vacation date, and price point might already be booked. By booking at least 6 months in advance, you’re insured to find the house of your dreams during the right time and for the right price! Resort Realty has homes to fit all of your family’s needs from small homes and condos to large, luxury getaways. As you plan your drive (or flight) check out which rest stops, gas stations, and restaurants are along your route and when you can plan your stops accordingly!
You’re supposed to relax on vacation, not work! Make sure you tell your co-workers when you’ll be out of town well in advance so they know you won’t be in the office. Change your voicemail and set an auto-response on your email to notify those who try to contact you that you’ll return back to the office soon. As tempting as it might be, try not to check your work email while you’re away on vacation, whatever comes up can be dealt with when you get back home!
Youngin’s and road trips don’t really go hand in hand so schedule your road trip while they’re sleeping! Arriving on the Outer Banks early in the morning before 11 AM can help you beat traffic anyway. (We’ve come up with a list of ways to avoid traffic on the OBX in our blog here) If the kids are awake, no worries, we have another blog with the 10 best family travel apps to help the time go by faster and your trip go smoother!
Take a lesson from the ocean and go with the flow! Planning ahead is great, but plans don’t always work out sometime. Don’t lose your cool if you encounter a rainy day or a packed restaurant, just go with the flow! There are tons of rainy day activities you can do on the Outer Banks and hundreds of restaurants to choose from! No matter what you encounter, remember your vacation is meant to be stress free!
There is nothing worse than going on vacation and then coming back home to a messy house. Take a day before you leave and have a family cleaning day! Get all laundry done, perishables out of the fridge, and do a thorough clean of the house. That way when you get home, you have nothing to worry about except for reminiscing on memories from you epic vacation!
Before your vacation, have each person (or family) in your crew come up with one thing they really want to do during your stay on the OBX. That way everyone gets to do and see something they want. Don’t forget to make a budget too. That way you know your limitations and know what activities are best suited for your group! We have a list of great Outer Banks activities here to give you a few ideas that won’t break the bank!
Everyone’s biggest fear is going on vacation and realizing you’ve forgotten something. The easiest way to make sure you have everything is to make a list! Luckily for you, we’ve put one together for you in this blog here!
You’re on vacation to relax, have fun, and be with friends and family! Be in the moment and enjoy it. Make sure to take a ton of photos and videos and if you post them on instagram, be sure to use the hashtag #MyOBX so we can see what awesome adventures you’ve had and the memories you’ve made while on the Outer Banks!
There’s nothing worse than going on vacation and realizing that you’ve forgotten something. Don’t worry, at Resort Realty, we’re here to help! Here’s the Ultimate Outer Banks Vacation Checklist to help make sure you have everything packed and ready to go! To make the image larger, just click on it!
If you are a first time visitor to the Outer Banks, planning the perfect vacation can be a little overwhelming. With so much to see and do but such little time, it can be a lot especially if you’ve never visited the Outer Banks before! Lucky for you, we’ve come up with a list of places to go, things to see, and more to help you out on your first visit to the Outer Banks!
The Outer Banks is full of places to explore and enjoy the beauty and simplicity of small town life. Downtown Manteo features a ton of local shops and restaurants that you must visit. Plus, Roanoke Island Festival Park is just a short walk over the bridge. You can see what life was like for English soldiers in 1585 and even tour a real, working representation ship, The Elizabeth II! The Duck Waterfront Shops features a bunch of great local shops and an amazing view of the sound! If you’re in Corolla, historic Corolla Village is a must visit as well. On a nice, breezy, spring or summer day, getting outside and taking a stroll around these Outer Banks gems with your family is priceless!
From the Wright Brothers National Monument to Jockey’s Ridge, the Outer Banks is full of rich history that is all tied together. The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site are the perfect places to go if you’re interested in learning more about the Lost Colony and see gorgeous array of flowers. The Currituck Beach, Bodie Island, and Cape Hatteras lighthouses are must-sees as well!
Whether you have your own 4 wheel drive vehicle or need to rent one, you have to go to Carova or Cape Hatteras for a first time off-road beach experience! Carova and Hatteras Island both feature pristine, undeveloped beaches that are sure to please the first time Outer Banker.While 4WD beaches in Corolla and Carova don’t require a permit, the Cape Hatteras National seashore does. You can find more info here on how to obtain a permit. If 4WD isn’t your style, take a horseback ride with Equine Adventures and see the beauty that Hatteras Island has to offer!
If you’re looking to find the best local food, look no further! Outer Banks Voice has a great Best of the Beach guide for the best seafood, breakfast, donuts and more, making it easy for you to find the best local eats on the beach! Duck Donuts, Run Down Cafe, and Hurricane Mo’s are just a few great places that made the list so be sure to check them all out!
When visiting the Outer Banks, staying in a vacation rental home is your best option. It’ll save you money, keep you comfortable, and give you a space to bond and relax with family and friends. At Resort Realty, we have the perfect home for you no matter what your needs. From luxury homes to cozy condos, make your first and future Outer Banks vacations special and rent with Resort Realty! Browse over 500 Outer Banks vacation homes online or talk to one of our amazing vacation specialists at (800) 458 – 3830.
March came in like a lion…and is going out like a lion! With all the Nor’Easters we’ve had, we’re ready for the warmth and sunshine that April is sure to bring! Along with great weather on the OBX, April brings great events too. Check out the best Outer Banks events and what’s going on throughout April right here!
10 AM – 5 PM @ The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Learn about German U-Boats off the North Carolina Coast, different shipwrecks, diving experiences, underwater photography, and more! Professional divers and underwater archaeologists will educate you at this free and informative symposium! For more info call 252-986-0720, email mary.riddle@ncdr.gov, or visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum website.
Recurring Daily
Calling all runners! This famous OBX race is perfect for you! The First Flight 5K and Flying Pirate Half Marathon is a great event for all to participate and attend. The First Flight 5K takes place on April 14th at the Wright Brothers Memorial at 7:30 AM. The Flying Pirate Half Marathon starts at 7 AM on April 15th at 5300 Woods Road and ends at the end of Nags Head woods! For more information and registration, visit the OBX Sporting Events Website.
Recurring Daily
The biggest windsurfing event in America is held right here on the OBX! Enjoy watching or taking part in windsurfing competitions and clinics all around Hatteras Island! From long distance to freestyle, there is an event for everyone. Participation prizes will be awarded as well! For more information and updates, visit the OBX Wind website!
Recurring Daily
Bikers and bike enthusiasts, this is the week for you to come visit the Outer Banks! With different events all over the OBX, there’s so much for you to do! Over 100 vendors, live music, pig pickins, and more are all happening during this exciting week! For more information, visit the Outer Banks Harley Davidson website.
1050 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke NC
Explore Ocracoke and run for a good cause! Participants can choose between a 5K, 10K, and Fun Run that occur on Saturday, April 28th and half marathon that takes place that Sunday. All finishers will receive a medal and runners in the 5K and 10K will receive a t-shirt. Join in on the 2nd Annual Lt. Maynard’s (famous for his defeat of Black Beard 300 years ago) Challenge and run on both days! All proceeds benefit Ocracoke Community Radio, Ocracoke School Athletic Boosters Club, and the Ocracoke Community Park. For more information, visit the Run Ocracoke website.
The Outer Banks in the summer time is the best place to be! Everyone else thinks so too. If you’re an OBX vacation veteran, you’ll know that traffic coming in and out can get super congested. But don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect guide on how to avoid Outer Banks traffic. With everyone coming in on the same day and leaving on the same day, it can get a little congested. If you’re not trying to sit in your car for hours on your next vacation, read on to see how to beat the infamous Outer Banks traffic
The thick of Outer Banks traffic happens roughly between 11 AM and 3 PM due to everyone coming in. This can vary by an hour. However, by leaving early in the morning you can get on the OBX by 9 or 10 AM. This means you won’t have to deal with incoming traffic. Let the kids can sleep in the car so you can get a little peace and quiet. When you get here, explore the OBX while you’re waiting for check-in! There are plenty of things to see and do before your vacation rental is ready for check-in. From going to the beach to exploring amazing Outer Banks landmarks, there’s so much to choose from. To get an idea on what to do while you’re waiting browse through the following blogs:
Top 10 Hidden Gems On The Outer Banks
Top 10 Free Things To Do On The Outer Banks
Explore The Outer Banks On A Budget
Top 25 Outer Banks Rainy Day Activities
The most traffic on the Outer Banks on turnover days occurs on the route coming in over the Wright Memorial Bridge. While the GPS may say that taking an alternate route may take more time, it’ll save you from sitting in traffic; especially if you’re vacationing from Kitty Hawk south. Taking highway 64 instead of 158 may add miles to the journey but you’ll be moving at a steady pace and will be on the OBX in no time! Plus, who doesn’t want a good Bojangles biscuit?!
If leaving early or an alternate route to avoid Outer Banks traffic isn’t in the cards for you and your group, have a plan for possibly sitting in traffic. See which rest stops and restaurants are along your route, and pack enough snacks and entertainment for the kids. We’ve come up with a list of great apps for kids to help car rides to the Outer Banks pass faster! You can see them here.
Travel apps like Waze and Gas Buddy can help you travel with ease. The Waze app can help you avoid accidents, road obstructions, and gives you real time traffic updates. Plus, it offers turn by turn voice navigation and ETA. You can share where you are exactly with people you may be meeting at your vacation home. Gas Buddy can help you find the best and closest gas prices along your route. You can also enter to win $100 in free gas everyday, too!
Most people coming to the Outer Banks book a vacation rental home that has a check-in and check-out day that falls on Saturday. This is why traffic on Saturday is usually the worst. If you book a home with a turn over day that’s a Friday or Sunday, not only can you avoid traffic, you can also save money! Most homes with check-in and check-out that aren’t Saturday are typically cheaper! Resort Realty has homes with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday change over. This allows you to customize your Outer Banks vacation however you see fit!
See everything Resort Realty has to offer and get your (minimal traffic) Outer Banks vacation started today!
So, you’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks and don’t know what to do? Well, start with your interests! Are you a foodie and love to sample different Outer Banks cuisine? Do you love nature and want to learn more about the diverse ecosystem on the OBX? Or are you totally into health and wellness and want some time to recharge this Outer Banks visit? No matter what you’re into, we have the perfect Outer Banks Journey to accompany your interests. From a week of fishing fun to everything else in between, see what kind of Outer Banks vacation is perfect for you!
{To enlarge the image, just click on it!}
To see even more Outer Banks journeys, check out our journeys page on our website! From homeschooling adventures to a week any mermaid will love, find your journey with Resort Realty!
If you’ve ever visited the Outer Banks, chances are you’ve usually arrived on the hectic day of Saturday. Have you ever thought about starting your Outer Banks vacation a day later? See why Sunday turn days are the best and all of the benefits that come with it!
On the Outer Banks, there’s only one way in and one way out. This means so much traffic on Saturdays. When you’re itching to get to the beach, sitting in traffic can be that much more miserable. However, if you’re checking in on Sunday, there’s much less traffic which means more time spent on the beach relaxing and soaking up the sun!
When you’ve got your vacation planned for Sunday instead of Saturday, you have a whole extra day to pack! Make sure you have all the essentials packed for your trip to the beach. You’ll even have enough time to plan out some of the best things to do around the Outer Banks!
One of the best things about Sunday is brunch, hands down. On the Outer Banks we’re blessed with some of the most amazing restaurants with phenomenal brunch specials! Restaurants like Roosters, Stripers, Blue Water, and so many more are places you must visit while you’re on vacation. So while you’re waiting for you rental to be ready, stop and treat yourself to brunch!
Less people tend to rent houses on Sundays which means the possibility of early check in! Since housekeeping and reservations aren’t as swamped on Sundays as they are on Saturdays, you might be able to get in to your house earlier than expected!
Since Sunday is technically the beginning of the week, what better way to start it off than at the beach? We personally can’t think of starting off the week than with toes in the sand and a cold drink in hand!
So, why not start your Outer Banks vacation on a Sunday instead of a Saturday? Resort Realty has plenty of homes available for Sunday check in! See for yourself and book your Outer Banks getaway with Resort Realty today!
The holidays are almost here which means that it’s time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones. Between Christmas shopping for your friends, significant other, and family, the holiday season can be hectic and stressful…but it doesn’t have to be.
Collect moments, not things. It’s a simple statement…with a profound effect. Sure, life can get busy, but it’s important to take time out to cherish simple pleasures. Conversations that linger. Frolicking in the sun. Quiet walks with little hands looking for shells. Treasured family vacations. The gift of an Outer Banks vacation will be sure to put a smile on everyone’s face (including yours)! Lifetime memories will be created, smiles will be found all around, and you’ll definitely win “best gift of the year” award.
If the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping has you stressed out, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top 5 reasons why giving the gift of an Outer Banks vacation is the perfect gift to give this year.
The perfect vacation home for the perfect Christmas gift // Ocean Star property #5410
We get it. There’s nothing better than flipping through a toy catalog, circling the “must have” toys, and then crafting your letter to Santa. Just remember, toys that your children just had to have might last until February until they get lost in the mysterious toy abyss that is the bottom of the toy chest, their closet…or if you’re like me, between the seats in the car. Stop wasting money on those tiny plastic figures with weird names like Freda Frosting or Pineapple Crush. An Outer Banks vacation is something that isn’t tangible so it won’t get lost (and end up next to week old goldfish crackers).
A beach bag stuffed with essentials along with an Outer Banks vacation makes the best Christmas present
Let’s be honest, one of the biggest pains of Christmas is wrapping presents. When you give the gift of an Outer Banks vacation, ditch the wrapping paper for a travel themed card. You can also create an Outer Banks themed basket to keep the family guessing what this year’s gift is! Need an Outer Banks vacation gift certificate? Just let one of our friendly Vacation Specialists know and we’ll be happy to create one for you to print and put under the tree.
The only thing easier than booking a vacation is relaxing in a luxury Outer Banks vacation home // property #5465 Buckeye Breeze
Booking an Outer Banks vacation is the perfect gift…and super simple. Just visit us online, choose your perfect Outer Banks beach home, and voila!…the perfect gift for everyone on your list. And don’t forget about our limited time offers including our Book Early & Save promo as well as our EZ Pay plan! Super simple and worry-free.
The excitement to get to the Outer Banks is real
There’s no doubt that there’s anticipation leading up to Christmas morning. Keep that excitement alive longer until June (or July or August!). By giving the gift of an Outer Banks vacation, not only will everyone be super excited about the actual vacation, they’ll count down the days until it’s time to head to the OBX!
Creating lifelong memories on the Outer Banks: priceless // image via Pinterest
Think about it. When was the last time you bought some THING that brought you as much happiness as time spent with the ones you love? Research proves that experiences are far more fulfilling and deliver more-lasting happiness. Don’t get us wrong, there is nothing wrong with tangible, physical gifts. (We love them too!) However, the gift of travel and unforgettable memories offer so much more. The time spent and memories made with family and friends is irreplaceable and something that will definitely last a lifetime.
Family vacations on the Outer Banks are remembered both in the moment and for long afterwards in the memories they create. Resort Realty wants to help everyone create moments in time that bring us closer to the ones we love and make 2018 the year that you will remember…With more than 500 vacation rentals located from Corolla to Hatteras Island we make it easy to plan the perfect Outer Banks vacation experience.
These days won’t last forever…don’t miss out on some truly unforgettable moments that will evolve into the some of the best memories you’ll ever have.
A day at the beach can solve all problems and when you come prepared for hours in the sun, it makes it even better! We’ve come up with a guide to a few beach day essentials that will ensure that you’ll have stress-free fun in the sun!
1 // Big Beach Bag
You have to have a big bag to put all of your essentials in! Any big, durable bag will do, but this bag by Billabong will definitely get everything from the car (or the house) to the sand!
2 // Radio/Bluetooth Player
A portable speaker is sure to put you in a beachy mood with your favorite radio station or a beach playlist. (You should check out our Spotify playlists if you haven’t already!) This radio/speaker combo from Sunnylife is perfect for a perfect day spent by the beach.
3 // Beach Blanket
Beach chairs are a no brainer when heading to the beach, but if you have a bigger group of friends and family, a big circle of beach chairs is no fun. A big beach blanket has enough room for everyone to sit or lay comfortably while still being able to have a view of the ocean and great conversation with everyone. The Billabong beach blanket is shown in the photo, but you can find one almost anywhere.
4 // Sandals
Going barefoot on the beach is ideal, but sometimes the sand is just way too hot. Save yourself some time and pain and wear sandals or flip flops while you’re trying to find that perfect spot on the beach! Something like the women’s Billabong sandal and the men’s Reef flip flops are perfect for weathering the scorching sand.
5 // Healthy Snacks
Unless you go to Jeanette’s Pier or Outer Banks Pier, you’re going to have to leave the beach to get a quick snack. If you’re all about getting as much beach time in as possible, pack some snacks or even a full lunch! A salad in a jar is a great, healthy meal and there’s no mess when eating it! Something nice and cool like the corn, avocado, and black bean dip pictured above is a great snack that will keep you cool in the sun too. Don’t forget to help do your part and bring an extra bag to put your trash in, lets keep the beach clean!
6 // SPF Lipbalm
We tend to often neglect our lips when we’re out in the sun. Since the skin on our lips is so thin, they can burn super easily. An SPF lip balm can protect your lips from the suns harmful rays.
7 // Sunscreen
Last, but definitely the most important is sunscreen! Sunscreen is super important to use regularly while you’re outside. You should look for sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays. Sun Bum sunscreen does both and helps protect against skin aging too!
Road trips can be stressful, there’s no doubt about it. When you’re trying to remember if you packed everything for everyone and the kids are getting restless in the backseat, you can’t wait to get that OBX vacation started. With these 10 family travel apps, the traveling process from packing to pit-stops will be seamless!
This travel app will help you find the closest rest stops along your route on the closest highway or interstate. The app shows traditional rest areas as well as welcome centers. The app also allows you to mark rest stops as favorites, gives you notifications when you’re in range of a rest stop, and lets you leave reviews and see other reviews of the rest area.
Do you remember your favorite childhood book? This app is perfect for the kiddos that need entertainment. This family travel app has many beautifully animated animals that offer storylines to keep them at bay. Petting Zoo was created by illustrator Christoph Niemann and is perfect entertainment for ages 3 and up. This app does come with a $4 price tag, but it’s well worth it!
Are you or your kids interested in Art? The app, Drawing Pad is the perfect app to keep your kids entertained for hours. The app features a clean whiteboard and several basic colors making it the perfect family travel app for kids ages 4 and up.
What’s a road trip without some quality music? Spotify is free to use and features music from every artist you can think of. If you search “kids” in the search bar, you’ll find kid-friendly songs that everyone will love. While you’re at it, search for Resort Realty, give us a follow, and listen to our monthly Music Monday playlists to put you in that summer vacation mode! Don’t worry, our playlists are family friendly too!
The Kids World Atlas is a free app that’s perfect for kids to learn about places all over the world. The free version of this family travel app allows you to learn about animals all over the world with text and video along with quizzes that test your child’s animal knowledge.
Remember playing Mad Libs in the car and it was so hard to write when the car was moving? Now there’s an app for that! The free Mad Libs app has 21 free stories that allow you to save the stories to re-read and laugh at them for hours. The app is kid-friendly and you can play solo or with friends and family. The app is suitable for ages 9 to 11, but let’s be real, you’ll probably play Mad Libs as much as the kids will!
GasBuddy is the app you need if you’re trying to find the cheapest gas anywhere. You can choose to view gas stations by distance or price, report gas prices to help others find cheap gas, and you can enter to win $100 in free gas every day!
Accidents happen, hopefully not during your travel or on vacation, but they happen. Just to be prepared, the American Red Cross has provided an app that helps you in situations from anaphylactic shock to CPR chest compressions. The First Aid App also gives you tips on how to prepare for emergencies, can call 911, and locate the nearest hospital making it the perfect family travel app to keep you safe and prepared.
Waze is like the wonder app of traffic. Seriously. This family travel app helps you avoid accidents, road closures, police traps, and gives you real-time traffic updates. It also gives you turn by turn voice guided navigation. You can also send your ETA and real-time drive to update people you’re meeting at your Outer Banks vacation rental.
Oh good old Candy Crush. This game will work on problem solving with your child but you’ll probably end up wanting to play a couple of rounds too! This family travel app is sure to keep everyone, no matter their age entertained on your Outer Banks road trip.
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